The Czech National Bank has presented its Governor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Financial and Economic Literacy to Martin Smrž, CEO of Junior Achievement. The award recognises his long-term work linking schools with practical experience in finance and entrepreneurship, with programmes designed to bring the real economic environment into classroom teaching. Junior Achievement's programmes allow pupils to set up student companies, work with finances, test and present business ideas, and take responsibility for their decisions. The practical learning model reaches tens of thousands of students each year and a significant share of secondary schools in the Czech Republic. Smrž was selected by Governor Aleš Michl on the recommendation of an advisory team after 33 public nominations. With the 2026 recipient announced, the award has entered its fifth year. Public nominations for the next round remain open until 28 March 2027.
Czech National Bank2026-05-30
Czech National Bank awards Martin Smrž Governor's Award for advancing financial and economic literacy
The Czech National Bank has granted its Governor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Financial and Economic Literacy to Martin Smrž, CEO of Junior Achievement, for his long-term work linking schools with practical experience in finance and entrepreneurship. Junior Achievement’s programmes, which include student companies and practical financial decision-making, reach tens of thousands of pupils and a significant share of Czech secondary schools each year.